This free new concert series, put on by the West Metro Chamber of Commerce, will feature lots of music, food and fun in a festive atmosphere. The Chamber knows how to put on a fantastic concert so you won't want to miss this!

The Main Street Marketplace is an open-air market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, specialty gifts, art, photography, handmade crafts, and much more every Friday beginning September 4 through October 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The market will be held on Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art at the corner of Main and Hampton Streets in downtown Columbia. Free admission. Complimentary shuttle service courtesy of City Center Partnership is available in the 36 block area downtown bounded by Gervais to Elmwood and Assembly to Marion Streets to pick up and drop off attendees during market hours. City Center Partnership produces the Main Street Marketplace to bring more people to the area to experience everything downtown Columbia has to offer. For more information, please contact 803.779.4005 ext. 2042 or Alicia@cartertodd.com or visit www.citycentercolumbia.sc.

Check out the talent and creative ideas of our community during the second annual Scarecrow Exhibit. Scarecrows will be displayed throughout the month of

The Northeast Farmers Market will return for its sixth year at the Lake Carolina Town Center on Thursday, May 7. The market features fresh fruits and vegetables, free range meats, lovely flowers and plants, delicious baked goods, local honey, certified organic produce, soaps and potpourri, farm fresh eggs and cheese, and more.

This retold Biblical story of Creation follows Adam and Steve in the Garden of Eden with Jane and Mabel on the Ark. Watch what happens when they all shift into modern day where they meet Rabbi Sharon and Santa Claus!

Go ahead and “Whistle a Happy Tune” as we present this captivating musical, based upon a true story of an English governess and her young son sent to the court of Siam to teach the wives and children of the king. A dynamic spectacle unfolds as the king learns to govern from the governess.

Anyone interested in dancing can learn the popular Swing Dance style in a vintage setting this summer through next year as Historic Columbia Foundation continues to host instructional classes and dances monthly at the historic Big Apple, 1000 Hampton Street. Columbia dance favorites Richard Durlach and Breedlove plan to take dancers back to the era of the Big Apple Dance Club. Richard and Breedlove teach, perform, and research swing, ballroom and vintage dances along with studying dance culture. It was at the Big Apple club where the Big Apple dance craze began, becoming one of the most popular dances of the 20th century.

Discover what Saluda Shoals Park inspires in you. Come create your art - visual, sculptural, literary or performance - amidst wooded trails that wind along the banks of the Saluda River. This natural setting is the perfect environment for your expression, and a true gift to park guests as they witness your blending of art and nature. A select group of artists will be invited to participate in unearth 2009. unearth will be held October 1-4, 2009. Demonstrations and performances in the park are on October 4th. Activities include but are not limited to: • Art demonstration and interpretation • Musical/dance performances • Theatrical vignettes • Poetry readings

In partnership with the Nickelodeon Theatre, the Columbia Museum of Art hosts an outdoor chamber film screening of Sita Sings the Blues on Boyd Plaza. A jazz trio - vocalist Mary Ann Hurst, guitarist Richard Maxwell and bassist Reggie Sullivan begin the evening with love songs. The Whig provides drinks for purchase. $15 for Museum and Nickelodeon members only. To purchase tickets online, click here.

Live music & entertainment, food vendors, children’s amusements, arts, crafts vendors & exhibitors. Great Car show. Contact Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce 803 635-4242. See web site www.fairfieldchamber.sc for vendor information and registration, email fchamber02@truvista.net.

Opens 9 AM, rides 10, 1:00, 2:30. Coach adults $10, $7 children 1-11; First class $15. No advance ticket sales or reservations. See scrm.org.

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is Clear Vision

Explore the beauty of Earlewood Park with community bands, to include jazz, blues and big band. 2-4 pm. Earlewood Park on N. Main Street. 803.545.3111

Dinosaurs return to the earth in this live theatrical arena show! Based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, seventeen roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs mesmerize the audience – and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth.

Folk art and traditional handicrafts are highlighted in this annual salute to autumn. Enjoy great South Carolina barbecue, bluegrass bands and cloggers, an antique tractor parade, the Farm Bureau’s popular Ag Simulator, children’s activities, pecan cracking and much more! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C. For more information please visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org or call (803) 898-4921.

Nationally-known silhouette artist Clay Rice will be creating silhouette portraits for one day only at the State Museum. Reservations required. Call (803) 898-4968 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org for reservations or more information. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is New Century Salon Orchestra

The fairgrounds are between Shop Road and Bluff Road, south of downtown. The fair is a huge event featuring agricultural and hand-crafted displays, a midway of ferris wheels & roller coasters, lots of food and fun. National names entertain. • 803-799-3387.

The Cayce West Columbia Jaycees Hall of Horrors is back as the midlands longest running haunted attraction. Now with more rooms and hallways to twist your senses and create an all new disturbing experience. Come out, if you dare, and stir around in the darkness - if you think you can handle it? You won't know if you're safe, or if you are walking into a trap. This year will deliver more unspeakable horrors than ever before! Admission is $12.00 - not recommending for children under the age of 12. Proceeds from this event help fund several local charities including Jaycee Camp Hope, a camp for mentally and physically challenged children and adults located in upstate South Carolina. For additional information and discount admissions please visit our website or call 803-409-9139

Riverbanks Zoo hosts this annual Halloween party. • 803-779-8717.

Each year, when the weather gets cold and the trees start to turn, the folks in the Five Points community gear up for one of the spiciest events in town! The famed Group Therapy's Chili Cook Off. 2009 will be marking the 23rd year of the event and it just gets better each year. Mark your calendars for one of Five Points' greatest events!

The film Amadeus would have us believe that Antonio Salieri is an inferior, jealous counterpart to the genius of Mozart. Was that really the case? You can now judge for yourself, as we open this festive concert with Salieri’s exuberant operatic overture

Opens 9 AM, rides 10, 1:00, 2:30. Coach adults $10, $7 children 1-11; First class $15. No advance ticket sales or reservations. See scrm.org.

First day to see the new robotic exhibit, Dinosaurs: Mesozoic Monsters! Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C. For more information please visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org or call (803) 898-4921.

Enjoy Shakespeare, both serious and contemporary, and medieval England, entertainment and foods. Call 803 635-6847 for information.

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is Dick Goodwin Quintet

Don’t miss your favorite SMACKDOWN AND ECW Superstars including Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Christian and many more live in action!

Celebrate leadership and philanthropy at the Museum! This celebration is held in memory of first museum director, Dr. John Richard Craft. Join us on Wednesday, October 21 for a special presentation, followed by dining and music in the DuBose-Poston Reception Hall. This is a free benefit of Taylor Society ($1,000) members and above. Upgrade your membership today and come early for a special preview of Ansel Adams: Masterworks before it opens to the public. To upgrade or RSVP for the event, email Meagan Warren or call 803.343.2210. Complimentary valet parking | Catered by Aberdeen Catery | Music by Rice Music House

Children’s books are so much fun to share! Join the rangers and guest readers as we read aloud from some of our favorite books for children and the young at heart. Bring a blanket or cushion on chilly nights! Use the Laurel Street park entrance at Huger Street.

The Palmetto Opera will present "La Boheme Meets the Three Baritones" in the beautiful new Dreher High School Auditorium. The first half of the program will feature a concert version of the third act of La Boheme with John Fowler, Krista Wilhelsen, Tina Millhorn Stallard and Hal McIntosh. Then the Three Baritones: Jacob Will, Hal McIntosh and Marc Rattray will present a very entertaining program of singing and comedy.

Get ready for a night of frightful fun at the State Museum! Wear your scariest costume and spend the night with the museum’s ghosts, ghouls and goblins! Enjoy fiendish food, eerie entertainment and much more in this event for the entire family. For more information, call (803) 898-4952 or e-mail campin@scmuseum.org. Located at the South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

The Cayce West Columbia Jaycees Hall of Horrors is back as the midlands longest running haunted attraction. Now with more rooms and hallways to twist your senses and create an all new disturbing experience. Come out, if you dare, and stir around in the darkness - if you think you can handle it? You won't know if you're safe, or if you are walking into a trap. This year will deliver more unspeakable horrors than ever before! Admission is $12.00 - not recommending for children under the age of 12. Proceeds from this event help fund several local charities including Jaycee Camp Hope, a camp for mentally and physically challenged children and adults located in upstate South Carolina. For additional information and discount admissions please visit our website or call 803-409-9139

Halloween celebration – fun for the big AND little kids, including a costume contest!

Especially for kids, this annual family event will feature a Haunted Halloween party with games, crafts, balloon art, face painting and much more! Wear a costume and receive $1 off regular museum admission for the day.

On October 24 from 3-7 pm, all proceeds from services are being donated to Palmetto Health Hospital for Breast Cancer Research. All money earned from haircuts, manicures, massages etc. will be donated. Our staff is donating their time and skills to raise money. Join us for a great event that benefits you and others!

An annual fall concert series performed outdoors by area bands. This week's performer is U.S.C. Carolina Alive Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the U.S.C. Saxophone Quartet

The Fall Line Consortium, a group including Historic Columbia, The State Museum, Columbia Green and the City of Columbia will gather experts on the natural and cultural history surrounding the Columbia Canal for this educational afternoon in the park. Join guided tours, hear lectures, watch kayaking demonstrations and admire the best river views around. Use the Laurel Street park entrance at Huger Street

Puppet Play!

Riverbanks Zoo hosts this annual Halloween party. • 803-779-8717.

Follow three young women in their own pursuit of justice as they decide what to do with the captured would-be rapist in their apartment.

EdVenture Children's Museum is calling all pint-sized fairies, firemen and mermaids! Does your family want to enjoy a fun, safe, indoor Halloween celebration? Keeping it warm, bright and super kid-friendly for our tricker treaters, HalloWonka is a three-day event that allows children of all ages to experience the joys of Halloween hosted by the world’s largest child, EDDIE! Join all of your friends for a museum-wide, activity-filled week that allows for after-hours exploration of EdVenture (5:30 – 8 pm) along with unique Halloween games sure to entertain and amuse the child in everyone! Tickets are $7 per person and may be purchased in advance or on the nights of the events. Contact (803) 779-3100 or www.edventure.org.

�� Hosted at the Thunder Tower Harley‐Davidson dealership! Register today for your opportunity to ride your Harley around the track of the oldest NASCAR paved track in racing history – the Darlington Raceway! �� VIP Dinner Friday night; Live music; Fireworks

The cult hit and audience favorite Dracula: Ballet with a Bite returns to the Koger Center for its 14th anniversary performances. The creatures of the night take over the stage in William Starrett’s acclaimed original production for four performances of what international publication Dance Magazine calls an “extravaganza that guarantees [the] audience a good time." Koger Center • 803.251.2222.

The Cayce West Columbia Jaycees Hall of Horrors is back as the midlands longest running haunted attraction. Now with more rooms and hallways to twist your senses and create an all new disturbing experience. Come out, if you dare, and stir around in the darkness - if you think you can handle it? You won't know if you're safe, or if you are walking into a trap. This year will deliver more unspeakable horrors than ever before! Admission is $12.00 - not recommending for children under the age of 12. Proceeds from this event help fund several local charities including Jaycee Camp Hope, a camp for mentally and physically challenged children and adults located in upstate South Carolina. For additional information and discount admissions please visit our website or call 803-409-9139

Join the Contemporaries for an eerily enchanting evening celebrating Halloween and supporting the Contemporaries Art Acquisition Fund. This year's Masquerade de Macabre masked ball features live music, food, drink and revelry until the bewitching hour. Don't miss the Contemporaries party of the year! Cost: Tickets are $50 per person. This event is open to Contemporaries and museum members only.

The place to be this year for all your spooky fun will be in Five Points on Saturday October 31! Tons of family activities including a pumpkin carving contest, costume contests, The Five Points Haunted House Candy Hunt and more! Music at the Fountain starting at 6:30 and going until 10:30pm. Adult Costume contest, give aways and more!

Especially for kids, this annual family event will feature a Haunted Halloween party with games, crafts, balloon art, face painting and much more! Wear a costume and receive $1 off regular museum admission for the day.